The Sconi

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) recently published a report titled Back to the Past: The Fiscal Threat of Reversing Act 10 in Public Education, shedding light on the potential consequences of undoing former Governor Scott Walker's landmark collective bargaining reforms.

In the report, WILL Research Director, Will Flanders, emphasized the significance of Act 10 by stating, "When Act 10 was passed it took Wisconsin off the path of fiscal destruction toward long-term solvency." Flanders warned that a successful repeal of Act 10 could result in a substantial financial burden for school districts, estimating that it could cost about $1.6 billion annually.

New Berlin School Superintendent, Joe Garza, echoed these concerns, noting that reverting to pre-Act 10 finances would necessitate significant cuts and adjustments across various areas, potentially leading to a reduction in teaching and learning budgets and larger class sizes.

The potential costs of repealing Act 10 outlined in the report include nearly $650 million annually for restoring collective bargaining for teacher salaries, about $422 million annually for eliminating employee contributions to retirement, and approximately $560 million annually for eliminating employee contributions to healthcare.

The report also addressed misconceptions surrounding Act 10, dispelling fears that the legislation would have a negative impact on the teaching workforce. Contrary to initial concerns, Wisconsin has actually seen an increase in the number of teachers since the passage of Act 10.

The implications of repealing Act 10 are significant, with school districts facing tough decisions such as property tax increases, larger class sizes, cuts to programs, and a shift towards pay-for-performance models. The report serves as a reminder of the lasting effects of Act 10 on Wisconsin's educational landscape and the potential challenges that could arise if the reforms were to be overturned.